TFK Talks to Nathan Kress

Screaming fans filled the Charleston Town Center Mall in West Virginia on March 26 when Nathan Kress, from the popular Nickelodeon show iCarly came to visit. Best known for his role as Freddie on iCarly, Kress also voiced characters in the movies Chicken Little, and Babe: Pig in the City, played Toplin on Drake and Josh, and Jamie on the Suite Life of Zack and Cody. TFK Kid Reporter Frannie Salisbury caught up with Kress to talk about his past, present and future.

I started acting when I was very young, around three years old. I would memorize television lines and repeat them back to my family, so they got me started with acting. After I became a little older, I wanted to go back to school and be a regular boy. Then in middle school, I began taking part in school plays. My family allowed me to be home schooled so I could devote more time to acting. Now I can't see myself anywhere else, doing any other job.

TFK:

Many actors are also singers. Did you ever have any desire to sing, too?

Kress:

No, not really. Honestly, I don't feel that I need to be a double whammy. People have asked me to but I was never that interested. I am staying with one career - acting.

TFK:

Which movie or television series has been the most fun?

Kress:

iCarly, of course! It's the one I have spent the most time on, and had the most fun. We have grown up together and become best friends.

TFK:

In real life, are you a technological geek like Freddie Benson?

Kress:

Yes, I definitely have an interest in technology. I am just not as genius as Freddie.

I think I've always wanted to do something with intense action, a great storyline, and a fun cast, like Lord of the Rings. Also, of course, a movie that families will want to go see!

TFK:

Where do you want your career to go next?

Kress:

I love television, especially comedy, but I would like to try more dramatic roles.

TFK:

Can you share one of your most memorable moments from your acting career?

Kress:

Most actors wouldn't want to talk about this, but I really remember the acting class I took when they taught us how to cry. Almost every actor has to cry some point in their career, so it is something everyone's got to learn.

TFK:

What do you like to do in your free time?

Kress:

A lot of it is taken up by school. I only get a few hours a day to cram in a normal eight hours of schoolwork. Other than school, I am very outdoorsy. I love to go camping or hang out on the beach. I am also a gamer. I love to shoot airsoft guns, which is like paintball, with my friends.

TFK:

Can you tell me about your charity work?

Kress:

I am currently working with the Starlight Program. It helps kids with diseases or disabilities to escape their illness and have fun. We go to parks and host events. It's a lot of fun. I volunteer with other organizations, too, like Camp Ronald McDonald and Saint Jude's Hospital.

TFK:

You are nominated for a 2011 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award. Are you willing to make predictions about next week's show?

Kress:

No way! I am not one to make predictions. I have hopes that iCarly will win for the third year in a row. We are up against some stiff competition, though. All I can do is hope.